Tag

Self Advocacy

All articles tagged with #self advocacy

Hidden Clues, Big Fight: A Mom Beats Stage 3 Rectal Cancer
health2 days ago

Hidden Clues, Big Fight: A Mom Beats Stage 3 Rectal Cancer

Shannon Ivey, 42, was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer after months of symptoms she mistook for menopause, including rectal bleeding, pencil-thin stools, and a 26-pound weight loss. She underwent radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery, and is now cancer-free more than a decade later. The piece notes rising rectal cancer rates, especially among people under 50, and stresses self-advocacy and listening to one's body when symptoms appear.

Ignoring Medical Advice Nearly Cost Me My Life
health2 months ago

Ignoring Medical Advice Nearly Cost Me My Life

A woman shares her harrowing experience of being dismissed by her doctor despite symptoms of a rare, aggressive cancer, highlighting issues of gender bias, systemic healthcare delays, and the importance of self-advocacy in medical care. Her story underscores the critical need for patients to persist in seeking timely diagnosis and treatment, especially for women and those with rare conditions.

Cancer Patients Share Regret Over Overlooked Early Symptoms
health8 months ago

Cancer Patients Share Regret Over Overlooked Early Symptoms

The article highlights the importance of recognizing early signs of cancer through personal stories shared on Reddit, emphasizing that early detection can significantly improve outcomes. It encourages body awareness and proactive medical consultation when symptoms like unusual bleeding, persistent pain, or unexplained weight loss occur, to avoid late-stage diagnoses and improve survival chances.

"Mom Diagnosed with Skin Cancer After Toddler Mistakes Mole for Chocolate"
health1 year ago

"Mom Diagnosed with Skin Cancer After Toddler Mistakes Mole for Chocolate"

Amanda Eilian, a 33-year-old mother from New York, was diagnosed with stage 2 melanoma after her 2-year-old daughter mistook a mole on her wrist for a chocolate stain. Despite initial dismissals from her doctor, Eilian's persistence led to the mole's removal and subsequent diagnosis. Her experience underscores the importance of self-advocacy and regular skin checks, especially for those with a family history of skin cancer. Eilian has since been cancer-free and advocates for proactive health measures.

"Mom's Dismissed Mole Diagnosed as Melanoma After 2 Years"
health1 year ago

"Mom's Dismissed Mole Diagnosed as Melanoma After 2 Years"

Amanda Eilian, a 33-year-old mother, had a mole on her wrist that worried her for years, but doctors dismissed her concerns. It wasn't until her 2-year-old daughter pointed it out that she insisted on its removal, discovering it was stage 2 melanoma. Eilian's experience underscores the importance of self-advocacy and regular skin checks, especially for those with a family history of skin cancer. She now emphasizes proactive health measures and encourages others to trust their instincts about their bodies.

"Carolyn Hax: How to Handle Embarrassing Mom Moments at Restaurants"
family-and-relationships1 year ago

"Carolyn Hax: How to Handle Embarrassing Mom Moments at Restaurants"

A parent seeks advice after her teenagers were embarrassed when she politely asked a server to replace a dirty glass at a restaurant. The columnist emphasizes the importance of addressing issues at businesses and the need for self-advocacy, while also cautioning against entitlement. The parent is encouraged to continue modeling polite assertiveness for her kids.

"Empower Yourself: 7 Surprising Requests for Your Doctor to Improve Your Care"
health-and-wellness2 years ago

"Empower Yourself: 7 Surprising Requests for Your Doctor to Improve Your Care"

Advocating for yourself at the doctor's office can lead to a more personalized and comprehensive healthcare experience. You can ask for modern UTI testing, pain relief during IUD insertion, a butterfly needle for blood draws, anxiety medication before scans, free medication samples, a clear surgical drape during a C-section, and annual physical exams at urgent care to better meet your healthcare needs.

"Recognizing Early Signs of Colon Cancer: My Experience at 32"
health2 years ago

"Recognizing Early Signs of Colon Cancer: My Experience at 32"

Raquel A. shares her experience of being diagnosed with stage four colon cancer at 32 after experiencing symptoms like frequent bowel movements, blood in stools, and abdominal pain. Despite initially being dismissed by a doctor, she eventually received a diagnosis after visiting the ER. She emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and seeking medical help early, as her cancer had likely been present for years before diagnosis. She is undergoing chemotherapy and advocating for herself to explore treatment options, highlighting the significance of trusting one's intuition and finding doctors who listen.

"Grandparents Seek Support After Granddaughter's Shocking Breast Cancer Diagnosis"
health2 years ago

"Grandparents Seek Support After Granddaughter's Shocking Breast Cancer Diagnosis"

A grandmother expresses anger towards her granddaughter's primary care doctor for dismissing her concerns about a lump, which turned out to be stage 2 breast cancer. The granddaughter's decision to trust her instincts and seek further testing led to early detection and treatment. The advice columnist acknowledges that the doctor may have been following guidelines but emphasizes the importance of evolving screening guidelines for younger women. In another letter, a fiancé seeks advice on boosting his partner's self-confidence and asserting their wedding planning choices. Lastly, a family adopts a puppy, but the dog becomes more attached to the mother, causing concern for the son. The columnist reassures the family that it's normal for dogs to have favorites and encourages the son to continue caring for the puppy.

"Doctor's Son Shares Crucial Tips for Female Patients to Gain Respect and Recognition"
healthcare2 years ago

"Doctor's Son Shares Crucial Tips for Female Patients to Gain Respect and Recognition"

The son of a doctor has shared a viral TikTok video advising female patients to bring a male friend or partner with them to medical appointments in order to be taken more seriously by doctors. He acknowledges the unfortunate and sexist nature of the advice but highlights the reality of the current healthcare system. Many users in the comments shared their own experiences of needing a male counterpart present to receive proper medical care. Sexism in healthcare, including disparities in pain management and treatment, has long been a subject of research. Women have found ways to self-advocate, such as requesting notes in their medical charts and asking for copies of their charts.

Advocating for My Health: Overcoming Misdiagnosis and Finding Answers
health2 years ago

Advocating for My Health: Overcoming Misdiagnosis and Finding Answers

A woman shares her experience of being dismissed by her doctor when she complained of severe shortness of breath, only to later discover she had congestive heart failure. After undergoing two heart transplants, she learned the importance of advocating for herself and educating herself about her condition. She encourages others to trust their instincts, question their doctors, and seek second opinions when necessary.